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OUTLOOK 2007 7 March 2007 |
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| Business and community challenges for sustainable water management |
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| A major problem faced by water supply CEOs was the complexity of institutional arrangements within which their businesses operated, Professor Jennifer McKay, from the University of South Australia, told delegates at the OUTLOOK conference. "Some water supply businesses had multiple objectives whereas the most effective tended to be those with single objectives. Only one third of CEOs in charge of water supply businesses in Australia were confident their business could achieve sustainable water management," Professor McKay said. Professor McKay added that some local governments needed more resources to achieve sustainable water management. Other requirements for sustainable water management include better information on water policy, improved intergovernmental arrangements and a shared vision with the community on water outcomes. Professor Kathleen Bowmer, from Charles Sturt University, said that engaging the community in regional water planning conflicts provides opportunities to improve decision making and foster behavioural change. Professor Bowmer spoke of resolving disputes over water by involving the community in the planning process. "If we can get the processes right, the outcomes should follow," Professor Bowmer said. "Community engagement has helped to identify novel solutions, such as timing environmental releases to increase environmental benefits without imposing additional costs on irrigators," Professor Bowmer told delegates. Naomi Arrowsmith, from the Western Australian Department of Water, agreed that more effective community participation was required for successful water planning. "Awareness of water management issues does not always translate into substantial behavioural change," said Ms Arrowsmith. "Policy makers need to work with the community to establish a clear shared vision, develop a capacity for change and institute actionable first steps," Ms Arrowsmith added. |
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| Copies of available speakers' presentation and papers are available at ABARE's OUTLOOK website, OUTLOOK 2007 or phone 02 6272 2010. For general media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on 02 6272 2260 or email mfinnegan@abare.gov.au. |
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